Lessons From Our Anxious Dog

We rescued our dog, Moses, when he was a year old from an Anatolian Shepherd rescue organization. Anatolians (also known as Kangals) are livestock-guarding dogs, raised to work on farms and bravely protect a flock from wolves, bears, and anything else roaming the wilderness. They’re also known to have one of the strongest bite forces of any dog breed. At 150 lbs., Mo is a domineering presence…when he’s not shaking in his boots, which is often. You see, Mo is anxious, and he’s taught us a lot about anxiety in the eight years we’ve had him.

Lesson 1: Anxiety Is in the DNA

Mo came to us anxious. We thought it was just from the 10-hour car relay that brought him from Ohio to New Jersey. Of course, any dog that underwent that kind of travel, ending in a new home, would be anxious, but as days turned into weeks and weeks into years, we realized that being anxious is simply part of Mo’s DNA. It’s something he was most likely born with—possibly the reason the farmer who had him turned him over to a shelter. How he ended up with us is a long story, but it’s been eight years of good, calm living, and Mo is still anxious.

It seems people may be born with anxiety, too. Anxiety runs in our family in varying degrees—from parents to siblings, to our kids. People come into this world a certain way, some more anxious than others, and it appears to be the same with dogs.

Lesson 2: Anxiety Isn’t Constant…But It’s Always Lurking

Mo has triggers—men (especially those wearing hats), fireworks, gunshots from nearby hunters, and tight spaces. He also has things he truly enjoys—like going to doggy daycare and being around lots of other dogs. In fact, Mo has a calming presence around other dogs, even the ones that bark aggressively at him. He also loves walking and hiking at off-leash dog parks, with his head held high, tail confidently wagging—until he hears duck hunters in the distance. Then, all bets are off. The shaking starts, and he looks to flee back to the safety of the car.

We’ve learned to identify Mo’s triggers and how to support him when his anxiety flares—much like you’d help a friend or family member who’s struggling. For example, we always carry a rope slip lead that makes him feel secure, and we plan quick escape routes back to the car if things get too intense. Most importantly, we stay calm. Dogs feed off our energy, so if we become anxious, it only fuels his stress. By keeping our own emotions steady, we help Mo feel safe.

Lesson 3: Being Anxious Requires Bravery

There are things we do that Mo loves but that also make him anxious—like our daily visits to our town’s dog park. He’s always excited to go, but when we arrive, sometimes there’s a new person he’s wary of—and it’s usually the person who most wants to pet him! During those times, Moses does not want to leave, but he stays close to us where he feels safe. He’s dealing with it. Working through it. He’s being brave, and that’s what many anxious people do every day. With a brave face, they go out into the world and try to live their best life.

Mo has taught us so much in the past eight years—that size doesn’t necessarily mean strength, that it’s okay to be afraid and unsure, and that courage is within all of us. He is a magnificently flawed being…but aren’t we all?

Learn more about Moses here: